2006 Nissan Quest vs. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Quest. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Quest would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Quest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Quest. (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Quest. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Quest weights approximately 52 kg more than 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3.
Because 2006 Nissan Quest is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Nissan Quest. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Quest. (328 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Quest.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Quest | 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Quest | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
